Why Seeking Chiropractic Care After An Injury Is So Important

Injuries happen when we least expect them, and often, the injuries they cause can take a major toll on our lives. Even a seemingly “simple” fall or “minor” car accident can cause injuries with potentially long-lasting results. And what’s more, a lot of those injuries may not cause any truly noticeable symptoms until days or even weeks after the accident itself.

Unfortunately, a lot of people make the mistake of skipping a doctor’s exam following what they see as a minor accident. Yes, they may have a bruise or two; but what they don’t realize is that, often, accidents can cause injuries that are difficult to detect - at least right away. And that’s especially true of any injury that involves an impact - a fall, a car accident, a sports injury or even being struck by a falling object. Any of these types of accidents, no matter how minor they may seem, can take a toll on your nerves, especially in your neck and back. When you don’t see your doctor after an accident, these injuries can develop into problems that can plague you for months or years - even for the rest of your life.

The importance of the doctor’s exam

Whiplash and other nerve-related injuries are good examples of medical issues that can have a “delayed reaction” in terms of the symptoms they can cause. In fact, whiplash is one of the most common types of nerve-related injuries following an accident, occurring when your head and neck snap back and forth rapidly in a “whip-like” motion. The movement doesn’t have to be severe - even a small jolt can cause injuries. In whiplash, the sharp movement causes injuries to the bones and discs of your spine. Sometimes, the soft tissues in these areas can tear or nerves can become stretched. While any of these injuries can cause discomfort right away, many accident victims make the mistake of thinking the aches and pains are due to muscle strain or bruising following an accident. That’s because when nerves are involved, it can take some time before the full extent of an injury becomes apparent.

The most common symptoms of whiplash include:

headaches

neck pain or stiffness

difficulty rotating the neck

pain in the upper back or shoulders

dizziness

numbness or tingling in your arms or hands

shock-like pain shooting down your arm or into your shoulder

Because whiplash often affects the nerves in the neck or upper back, you need medical care to help resolve symptoms and prevent them from getting worse. Without proper medical care, your symptoms can last for months or even years.

Concussions pose serious risks

Concussion is another serious - even life-threatening - injury that can be difficult to detect following an accident. Concussions occur when your brain makes contact with the inside of your skull - sometimes violently. The impact can cause swelling and even bleeding in or around your brain. In a severe concussion, you might be knocked unconscious. But you don’t have to have a big “jolt” to have a concussion; you don’t even need to have a direct impact to your head.

Some concussions cause very slow bleeding inside your skull. In those cases, your initial symptoms can be very mild, and it can be easy to overlook them. But these “slow bleeds” can - and often are - fatal. Seeing Dr. Weddle for a complete exam following an accident is critical for finding concussions in their early stages or for ruling them out.

Impact on insurance claims

Of course, maintaining your physical health and preventing lifelong or life-threatening problems are the most important reasons for seeing Dr. Weddle for an evaluation after an accident. But there’s another important reason: If you plan on filing an insurance claim, early examination by a qualified doctor - like Dr. Weddle - is a required part of the claims process. Insurance companies need complete and comprehensive information from a doctor who’s experienced in accident exams to ensure the claims process is valid. Without an exam, your claim can (and almost certainly will) be thrown out; and even if you delay an exam, it can have a major impact on the benefits you receive.

Protect your health following an accident

Car accidents, sports injuries, work-related accidents - no matter where your accident occurs or what causes it, you need to have an evaluation as soon as possible to identify problems and can get the treatment you need to stay healthy. At DMC Healthcare, Dr. Weddle performs comprehensive examinations following accidents to help ensure patients receive the best course of care based on their needs. If you’ve been in an accident, contact DMC Healthcare or book an appointment online today.

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